Deputies Make Arrest in Williston "Crab Fest" Shooting

LEVY COUNTY - The man believed to be responsible for last Saturday's deadly shooting at the Williston "Crab Fest" is behind bars following his arrest in Ocala on Monday.

Devonte Ocasio, 19, is charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault for allegedly shooting into a crowd during last weekend's Crab Festival outside of Williston. Barry Barney of Gainesville was killed during the shooting, while four others were injured.

Nearly 45 deputies from the Levy County Sheriff's Office patrolled the event because, according to the Sheriff, they had inside information that some violence could occur.

"We did actually pick up on some information that led us to believe there could possibly be some retaliatory things going on for different actions of some of these groups," said Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum.

Despite that intelligence, the Sheriff says he did not have the constitutional authority to shut down the event. In fact, he says there is no single person or agency in charge of the annual "Crab Fest."

As a result, Levy County officials say they will now review several of the policies surrounding the event to make it safer for next year. Some of the possibilities to be discussed include issuing a special events permit for events like this, as well as moving the annual "Crab Fest" to a different location.